By Kim Young Deok and Kim Young Shin

Kimchi damgeugi, or kimchi making, will be designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Item.

The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) made the announcement on Sept. 8, saying that the entire process of making all types of kimchi is to be designated as an official Korean heritage item.

According to the CHA, kimchi damgeugi is a broader concept than simply kimjang, which is the making and sharing of kimchi and which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Item of Humanity since 2013. This new, broader "kimchi making" embraces all different types of kimchi made in different regions of the whole Korean Peninsula.

The CHA said that kimchi making was designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Item because it is historically an important part of Korean culture, and also that it embodies the cooperative and sharing team spirit found in Korea that continues today. Also, the CHA recognized the value of kimchi making for society, in that it is a traditional process that has been passed down through the generations and one in which most people participate at some point in their lives.

Kimchi damgeugi will officially become a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Item 30 days after this notice and after a review process from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

kyd1991@korea.kr